Reno 6 (ARI + 17), Tacoma 2 Lost ground :( LHP Anthony Vasquez (4.97, L) pitched six and a third innings with three runs (two earned) scoring on six hits, four walks, and four Ks. LHP Cesar Jimenez (4.04, BS) and RHP Josh Lueke (2.95) split the rest of the pitching, Jimenez scoring two of Vasquez' runs and two of his own on three hits, a wild pitch, three walks, and a K, and Lueke letting an unearned run score on a hit and a strikeout. 3B Matt Tuiasosopo (HR, .248) hit a home run and walked. RF Mike Wilson (2B, RBI, CS, A, .345) had two hits and was caught trying to steal home for some reason.

Birmingham 9 (CHW 0), Jackson 7 This started out well enough, but gradually got more and more gross over time. RHP Tom Wilhelmsen (5.36) pitched six and a third innings with two runs scoring on four hits, a hit batter, a walk, and a K. This is good, I would say. I'd like to see more strikeouts, but some of the other faults of the game were not entirely Wilhelmsen as LHP Bobby LaFromboise (3.57) scored two of those runs and three of his own because he couldn't get an out and allowed four hits (HR) and a walk in the meantime. That eventually translated to three runs against him and RHP Moises Hernandez (6.18), who had a couple of hits and a K in an inning of work, scored one of those. RHP Steve Delabar (2.91, BS, L) then had some serious issues with the next inning and a third, with four runs scoring on a hit and five walks, one of which was intentional. The hit was a double and it cleared the bases. LHP Brian Moran (6.88) had to come in for the final out. It was too late. The offense got two hits from PH-CF Brandon Haveman (3B, RBI, .234) and 1B Rich Poythress (2B, RBI, .240) both had two hits and CF-LF James McOwen (R, RBI, .253) had a hit and two walks. DH Joe Dunigan (2B, R, .200) doubled again. Extra-base hits are sort of an outcome.

High Desert 2, Inland Empire 4 (ANA - 6) The Sixers are an Angels affiliate now. I did it again. RHP Jandy Sena (2.57) pitched seven strong with two scoring on six hits, a walk, and two Ks. RHP Brandon Maurer (6.25, L) then let two score on a walk followed by a home run in the eighth. They're trying to limit his innings. CF Daniel Carroll (HR, .278), DH Jake Schlander (2B, .238), and 1B Mario Martinez (HR, .297) all had extra-base hits in the game.

Clinton 0, Beloit 5 (MIN + 3) RHP George Mieses (5.42, L) picked up his tenth loss of the year, going six innings with four runs scoring on six hits (HR), two walks, and two Ks. RHP Tyler Blandford (12.06) had a run plate against him on two hits, two walks, and a K in the seventh and RHP Keli'I Zablan (3.92) struck out one in the eighth. LF Mickey Wiswall (CS, .257) and 2B Stefen Romero (.273) both had two hits, by which I mean that the two guys that seem to have been hitting of late were hitting again.

Everett 1, Boise 3 (CHC + 4) Oh wait. Now we're below .500 on the road again. LHP Jordan Shipers (4.50, L) dropped to 0-4 with three runs scoring against him in seven innings after four hits (HR), two walks, and six Ks. He doesn't really deserve to be at 0-4, but baseball is funny like that. RHP Joe DiRocco (6.00) struck out one in the eighth. RF Jabari Blash (2B, RBI, .326) and CF Jarrett Burgess (2B, .254) both had doubles and DH James Wood (.289) had a single and a walk.

Johnson City 5 (STL + 10), Pulaski 1 Aw phooey. RHP Jose Valdivia (3.54, L) was the latest M's pitcher to get his first loss, with four runs scoring against him on four hits (HR), three walks, and three Ks in four and a third innings. LHP Kyle Hunter (0.71) then pitched two and two-thirds innings with a hit and three strikeouts to show for it. Perhaps he will end up being pitcher of the week somehow. But he did score two of Valdivia's runs… RHP Benjamin Cornwell (4.50) let one last run score on two hits, a wild pitch, a walk, and a K in the final two innings. C David Villasuso (3B, RBI, .219) had three hits in the game which I'm guessing brought his average above the Mendoza line. CF Jamal Austin (.354) had two singles and a walk. We still co-lead the division.

Peoria Mariners 4, AZL Angels 0 A Mariners team beat the Angels. It was not the most important team for either organization, but it matters. I think. RHP Min-sih Chen (7.27, PO, W) had four hits, three walks, and four Ks to his line in five innings of work. RHP Maxx Catapano (2.89) had a hit and three Ks in the next three frames and RHP Joshua Corrales (0.00) rung up one in the ninth. 3B David Batista (E, .250) had a hit and two walks leading off. He's one of our mystery summer leaguers promoted after a single season, and this is only his second game stateside. He didn't play in the DSL earlier this year. It's crazy. The former mystery man, CF Alfredo Morales (SB, .435), had three hits. SS Esteilon Peguero (2 RBI, .265) and 3B Ramon Morla (R, SB, .250) both had a couple of hits and 1B Chris Andres (2B, R, RBI, .365) had a double and a walk.

Reno 14 (ARI + 16), Tacoma 5 Now they lead the series. RHP Jarrett Grube (11.81, L) let eight runs score on eight hits (2 HR!), a walk, and three Ks in three and two-thirds innings. LHP Chris Seddon (5.92) let three more plate on seven hits, a walk, and two Ks, then RHP Josh Fields (6.23) and RHP Dan Cortes (6.60) split the final two innings, Fields walking and striking out two, Cortes letting three plate on a hit (HR) and two walks against a K. 1B Ryan Langerhans (HR, 2 R, .344) had four hits in the game. He's trying to carry the offense. DH Luis Antonio Jimenez (HR, .281) added a home run and a walk, LF Mike Carp (.346) and RF Johan Limonta (2B, .335) both had hits of lesser distances and walks, and C Ralph Henriquez (R, .333) had a pair of singles.

Birmingham 1 (CHW - 1), Jackson 10 RHP Steven Hensley (4.23, W) got his first double-A win of the year after pitching six innings with a run scoring on three hits, a hit batter, three walks, and three Ks. RHP Stephen Penney (5.34) and LHP Bobby LaFromboise (2.80) both had an inning and a third, Penney with a hit, a walk, and a K, LaFromboise with a walk, a wild pitch, and two Ks, and RHP Moises Hernandez (6.33) got the final out. DH Joe Dunigan (HR, 2 R, .200) hit a dinger and walked twice. It's a shame he's struck out in nearly half his at-bats, because he has five dingers in 120 at-bats and has walked nineteen times. Outcomes! LF Jake Shaffer (R, SB, .293), 2B Scott Savastano (2 2B, 2 R, RBI, SB, .275), 3B Vinnie Catricala (2B, R, 3 RBI, .400), RF Johermyn Chavez (HR, 4 RBI, .221), SS Carlos Triunfel (R, .272), and CF Brandon Haveman (R, RBI, .222) all had two hits. This happened a lot tonight. Two hits, I mean.

Clinton 8, Beloit 5 (MIN + 2) LHP Nate Reed (3.27, W) finally got himself a win and went the minimum for the win with three runs scoring on five hits (2 HR!), a wild pitch, a walk, and four Ks. LHP Ryan Kiel (5.40) had a run score against him on two hits (HR) while striking out six in the next frame and two-thirds, and RHP Jessie Nava (3.09) went the rest of the distance with a run scoring on two hits, two walks, and two Ks. CF Mike McGee (2 R, .350) and 1B Tim Morris (2 2B, R, 2 RBI, SB, .264) each had three hits and a walk, and LF Kevin Rivers (HR, .236), 2B Stefen Romero (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .270), RF Kalian Sams (2B, R, RBI, SB, .239), and SS Anthony Phillips (HR, SB, .136) all had two hits. I think the two hits had 'em beat on distance. John Hicks also debuted at backstop and was 1-for-3 with a RBI and a passed ball.

Everett 8, Boise 6 (CHC + 3) Series! RHP Vicente Campos (3.91) lasted just four and two-thirds innings though, with six runs (four earned) scoring on five hits, a couple wild pitches, a couple hit batters, a walk, and five Ks. RHP Jason Buursma (8.10) had two hits in the next inning and a third and RHP Nolan Diaz (5.84, W) had three innings pitched for the win with two hits, a wild pitch, two walks, and four Ks. Eighteen hits for the offense? I'm as surprised as anyone. RF-2B Patrick Brady (3B, 2 R, RBI, .326) and 3B-1B Jharmidy de Jesus (2B, HR, 2 RBI, .345) both had three hits and a walk. 2B-3B Danny Lopez (2B, R, 2 RBI, .293), CF-RF Nathan Melendres (SB, .239), C Larry Gonzalez (2B, R, .171) 1B Ethan Paquette (2B, 3B, RBI, E, .200), and LF Mario Yepez (2B, 2 R, .263) all had two hits apiece, with Gonzo adding a walk, and SS Marcus Littlewood (2B, E, .241) and DH James Wood (2B, R, .287) both had doubles, Wood drawing a walk.

Johnson City 9 (STL + 9), Pulaski 2 At least there was any offense at all. RHP Dylan Unsworth (5.03, PO, L) took the loss with six runs plating on ten hits and a walk against one K in three and a third innings. RHP Seon Gi Kim (3.38) let three more (one earned) plate on four hits, a couple of wild pitches, a walk, and a K in the next two and two-thirds. RHP Reynaldo Sabala (1.38) came on for two and a third after that, walking one and ringing up five and RHP Angel Raga (0.00) struck out the final two. 2B Dan Paolini (2B, R, .281) had the only extra-base hit and CF Jamal Austin (R, SB, CS, .339) had a single and a walk.

AZL Athletics 7, Peoria Mariners 5 We went down fightin'. RHP Ben Versnik (0.00) had a hit and two Ks in the first. RHP Charles Kaalekahi (7.31, L) then took the remainder of the "start", going five innings with two runs scoring on four hits, two wild pitches, four walks, and three Ks. LHP Scott Ronnenbergh (1.54) had four unearned runs score against him on four hits and two walks in two-thirds of an inning and RHP Marcos Reyna (5.79) let an unearned run plate on a walk and two Ks in the two- and a third innings that finished up the game. RF Alfredo Morales (2B, 3B, RBI, SB, CS, .421) had hits four of five times up. He sure can hit a bit. SS Esteilon Peguero (2 2B, R, 2 RBI, .254) had two hits, 1B Chris Andreas (2B, RBI, E, .373) doubled and walked, and C Norberto Susini (R, .E, 308) walked twice. Morla played too and was 0-for-4 with two Ks.

VSL Phillies 4 (- 3), Aguirre Mariners 5 Hey, a win. RHP Thyago Vieira (3.52) let four (two earned) score in just two and a third innings on four hits, a wild pitch, and three walks, and then RHP Daniel Mata (3.78, W) had a hit, a walk, and four Ks in six and two-thirds innings after that. Mata is turning into an interesting guy down there. 2B Pedro Okuda (R, .219) and DH Yordi Calderon (2 R, .286) both walked twice, 3B Ramon Coronel (R, .339) had a single and a walk, RF Jesus Ugueto (2B, 2 RBI, .262) had a double. Calderon also got hit twice, so two times reaching safely and two times reached unsafely.

DSL Rays 4 (- 1),Yamasa Mariners 5 Full game! LHP Wander Marte (0.82) pitched four innings with a hit, two walks, a couple of wild pitches, and five Ks to show for it. RHP Noel de la Cruz (3.45) gave the Rays their first run on three hits, a wild pitch, a walk, and two Ks in the next three innings, but then RHP Oliver Garcia (3.68, BS) let three score on four hits, a walk, a wild pitch, and a K in the next two-thirds of an inning. RHP Domingo Brazoban (1.38, W) pitched the last inning and a third and had a hit and a K to his line, picking up the win with the rally. In the ninth, 3B George Soto (2 R, 1-3, BB, .259) walked, then C Miguel Sanchez (2 2B, PB, 2-4, .263) doubled him over to third, and 2B Noe Berro (HR, 3 RBI, 1-3, .211) homered to get the necessary three runs. Nice, isn't it? DH Axel Wel (.258) added a single and a walk as well.

Reno 2 (ARI + 15), Tacoma 3
And now a win. Series tied! Gaby Hernandez was the opposing pitcher, but did not take the loss. Anyway, LHP Luke French (5.90) let two runs score on six hits (HR), a couple of walks, and four Ks in six innings. RHP Chaz Roe (6.31) had a hit and a walk in the next frame and RHP Scott Patterson (3.76, W) won it with a hit and strikeout in the final two innings.
1B Ryan Langerhans (2B, 2 RBI, .329) had three hits leading off. 3B Matt Tuiasosopo (2B, R, RBI, E, .249) and C Ralph Henriquez (.320) both had a hit and a walk. I'm finding I don't so much as blink at Liddi at shortstop these days.

Birmingham 9 (CHW 0), Jackson 5
LHP Mauricio Robles (9.82, L) pitched three and two-thirds innings with four runs plating on five hits (HR), a hit batter, four walks, and three Ks. RHP Taylor Stanton (3.46) then pitched three innings and had similar totals, subtracting an earned run (there were still four runs), three walks, two Ks, and a hit batter. LHP Brian Moran (6.95) scored one of those runs with a home run, another hit, and a strikeout in his inning and a third. LHP Edward Paredes (6.41) had a hit and a walk in the ninth.
LF Joe Dunigan (HR, 2 R, .197) had a home run and two walks. Good for him. C Brandon Bantz (R, .214) and DH James McOwen (R, .251) both had two hits, with Bantz adding a walk, SS Carlos Triunfel (2B, RBI, .268) doubled, and 1B Rich Poythress (RBI, .240) had a single and a walk.

High Desert 0, Inland Empire 4 (LA - 6)
Quick, clean loss. LHP Jimmy Gillheeney (5.28, PO, L) let all four runs score on eight hits (3 HR!!!) and two walks against six Ks in six frames of work. RHP Daniel Cooper (4.09) had a hit and a strikeout over the final two.
LF Daniel Carroll (SB, .282) had three walks in the leadoff spot. Boy, if that isn't something? Martinez and Almonte both struck out all four times they went to the plate. That's something too. SS Gabriel Noriega (.243) had two singles. The offense struck out twenty times.

Cedar Rapids 3 (ANA - 3), Clinton 11
Maybe it's just because I'm locked into the day to day of this, but I can't remember the last time the Lumberkings managed a drubbing of this calibre. Looks like the last time they scored ten or more runs was May 15th. LHP Tony Butler (2.53, W) went five and a third with three runs scoring on six hits, a walk, a wild pitch, and seven Ks. LHP Edlando Seco (5.44, PO) came in next and had a walk and two Ks in an inning and two-thirds, and then RHP Tyler Burgoon (1.60, S) struck out four of six to end it.
I don't really get this because there were eleven runs on seven hits and three walks, so I'm guessing some errors were taken advantage of in there. LF Mickey Wiswall (2 R, .258) had two hits, RF Kevin Rivers (2B, R, 3 RBI, .229) had the only double, and CF Mike McGee (2 R, 2 RBI, .306) and SS Anthony Phillips (R, .126) both had a hit and a walk. That's some efficiency there.

Everett 4, Boise 3 (CHC + 4)
Win! RHP Steve Kohlscheen (2.25) went four+ innings in the start with two scoring on two hits, four walks, and three Ks. RHP Max Krakowiak (6.00) let one of those score on a hit, a wild pitch, two walks, and a K in two-thirds of an inning, and RHP Tim Griffin (3.38, PO) scored that run with a hit, a walk, and a strikeout in an inning and a third. RHP Matt Bischoff (0.00, W) took a long relief stint with three innings of work and a hit, a walk, and four Ks to show for it, in addition to the win.
RF Patrick Brady (2 R, CS, .286) had two hits and two walks. They needed a little on-base ability from the lineup. 3B Jharmidy de Jesus (HR, .280) played the hot corner and went yard, the former being a little more unusual than the latter, and DH James Wood (2B, 3B, 2 RBI, .289) had two hits, both extra-bases. LF Mario Yepez (2B, R, .250) added a double, batting seventh in the order.

Johnson City 8 (STL + 8), Pulaski 0 (five innings)
I don't think we missed much by this game being shortened. RHP David Colvin (0.00, L) got one of those ridiculous losses where an unearned run scored on two hits, a wild pitch, and a K in two innings. RHP Luke Taylor (15.83, PO), that would've been legit, as he went two+ with seven plating on five hits, a wild pitch, and five walks against a K. LHP Jeremy Dobbs (7.36) scored two of those with three hits, a wild pitch, and a K in the fifth, and how he got out of that without letting a run score against himself, I don't quite know. Singles, I'm guessing.
CF Jamal Austin (2 SB, .339) had two singles and two stolen bases. Hooray!

AZL Rangers 15, Peoria Mariners 10
Well this washes the taste of AZL shutout out of my mouth. RHP Kenn Kasparek (9.00) rehabbed for two innings, with three runs (two earned) scoring on three hits, a walk, and a K. RHP Trevor Miller (7.30, E, L) then let seven runs (four earned) score on seven hits, a wild pitch, a walk, and a strikeout in three innings. RHP David Holman (3.12) added four more, but only one was earned, coming with five hits (HR) and a strikeout from the sixth to the seventh. RHP Yunior de Jesus (9.00) made his stateside debut and let a run score on two hits and a strikeout in the eighth, and then RHP Gabe Saquilon (0.00) got a soft landing and struck out one in the ninth.
de Jesus and Saquilon weren't the only ones to debut here tonight, and CF James Zamarripa (2 R, SB, .250) made his pro debut by going 1-for-4 with a walk, and Reginald Lampe made a stateside debut playing third base. These midseason summer league promotions are becoming a thing. As for the good performances, 1B Chris Andreas (2 2B, R, R, .375) had three hits and a walk, RF Alfredo Morales (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .385) had two hits and a walk, going yard for the second time this year, and SS Esteilon Peguero (2B, R, RBI, SB, CS, .241), LF Phillips Castillo (2 2B, R, RBI,SB, .327), and 2B Felipe Burin (2B, 2 RBI, 2 E, .222) all contributed two hits.

VSL Rays 6 (+ 3), Aguirre Mariners 4
Yep. Third. Or tied for second. RHP Jose Flores (3.80, L) let two runs score on a hit, three walks, and three Ks in six+ innings. RHP Maykel Ynfantes (3.03) then let four more runs score on six hits, a wild pitch, a hit batter, and two walks against four Ks in the next two innings. LHP Erick Gomez (6.91) had a hit and a K in the ninth.
C Franklin Diaz (.281) had three hits while batting seventh in the order. SS Rafael Fernandez (R, RBI, SB, .293), 3B Ramon Coronel (R, .339), and CF Rashynol Michel (2B, R, .219) all had two hits and Fernandez and Michel both had a walk. Fernandez has hit about as well as I remember seeing out of a rookie shortstop in the VSL. And he was born in 1994. That's kind of frightening. LF Kenny Hart (HR, 3 RBI, .267) added his fourth home run and a walk.

Reno 4 (ARI + 16), Tacoma 3
First game of a series against the division leader! We lost. RHP Charlie Haeger (7.74) let two (one earned) score on four hits, a wild pitch, two hit batters, six walks, and six Ks. RHP Josh Lueke (3.05, BS, L) then let two score on two hits, a walk, and a K. This season has been more up-and-down than we really anticipated from him. RHP Josh Fields (8.10) rung up two in the ninth.
CF-1B Ryan Langerhans (HR, 2 R, CS, .318) had two hits and a walk in the game. Strange to go from one of the most taxing defensive positions to the least, but some shuffling was in order as 3B Matt Mangini (2B, R, RBI, .344) got pulled late in the game. SS Alex Liddi (RBI, .260) and 1B-3B Matt Tuiasosopo (2B, .248) both had a hit and a walk. Liddi has walks in seven of his last ten games.

Jackson 4, Mississippi 5 (ATL - 1)
Shucks and darn. RHP Erasmo Ramirez (4.78, L) went seven and a third innings with five runs scoring on eight hits (HR), a hit batter, three walks, and four Ks. That fifth run scored in the eighth under the watch of LHP Bobby LaFromboise (2.91), who struck out one. Oh, horrors!
3B Vinnie Catricala (2B, 2 R, CS, .419) had two hits, 2B Leury Bonilla (CS, .300) had a hit and a walk, and RF Johermyn (R, .220) had two walks. Exciting! LF Joe Dunigan (2B, R, RBI, .191) doubled.

Cedar Rapids 0 (ANA - 2), Clinton 3
RHP Taijuan Walker (2.76, W) did what we all wanted to see him do again, which is dominate. Six innings, one hit, two walks, eleven Ks. He was also named the #38 prospect in all of baseball by BA today, and they described him as a "long ways away, but a fast-riser", which I guess means he's in your rear view mirror right now and LOOK OUT. RHP Tyler Blandford (12.27) walked one, threw a wild pitch, and rung up a pair in the next inning, and RHP Jonathan Arias (3.86, S) ended up with a two-inning save, two hits, a walk, five Ks.
DH Stefen Romero (R, RBI, SB, .270) had three hits in the game and LF Mickey Wiswall (2B, PO, .255) doubled and walked. Not much offense was needed.

Everett 5, Boise 9 (CHC + 5)
New town, similar results. The Hawks are good at least. RHP Steve Landazuri (3.96, L) was good too, just not good enough, as he went five innings and had two runs score on three hits, two walks, a hit batter, and eight Ks. RHP Jordan Pries (5.79) pitched the next two innings with five runs (three earned) scoring on four hits (HR), two walks, and a strikeout. RHP Cody Weiss (11.57) added two more to the pile, those coming on two hits and a wild pitch in the eighth.
SS Marcus Littlewood (R, RBI, .260), RF Patrick Brady (RBI, .250), and LF Mario Yepez (2B, R, RBI, .245) all had two hits with the first two drawing walks.

Bristol 8 (CHW - 1), Pulaski 7
RPH Mayckol Guaipe (3.20, L) took the loss with six runs (four earned) scoring on four hits, two wild pitches, a hit batter, and two Ks in two innings. Busy busy. RHP Brett Shankin (2.79) then let another run score on three hits and a walk against two Ks in three innings, and RHP Bo Reeder (2.00, PO) got a stint equal in length with an unearned run plating on two hits and three Ks. RHP Reynaldo Sabala (1.69) struck out one in the ninth. They were probably hoping for a rally to be using him while trailing.
RF Guillermo Pimentel (2 HR, 4 RBI, .379) went yard twice. He's tied for the league lead in dingers with some twenty-year-old first baseman, whom he has seventy-three points on in average and thirty-nine points in slugging anyway. 1B Jordy Lara (HR, E, .316) and LF Dillon Hazlett (RBI, SB, .283) both had three hits, Lara getting his fourth home run, which is half as many as Pimentel has. CF Jamal Austin (R, 2 SB, .316) and 3B Michael Acevedo (2B, 3 R, RBI, E, .304) both had two hits, with Acevedo adding a walk, and C David Villasuso (2B, CS .143) had a double and a walk.

Aguirre Mariners 2, VSL Tigers 5 (- 12)
Come now, the Tigers are a beatable team. Any more of this and we'll be in third. RHP Isliexel Gonzalez (2.31, L) let four (three earned) plate on seven hits (HR), two wild pitches, and two walks against eight Ks in six innings of work. The strikeouts were nice though. RHP Neritzon Osorio (2.70) then let another run score on three hits, a walk, and two Ks in the final two innings.
Maybe the offense needed Burin more than we thought. DH Pedro Okuda (2 2B, R, .224) did his part to fill in with what would look like Burin night, two doubles and two walks leading off. C Arturo Nieto (2B, E, .128) added a double. Not much hitting from the rest of the lineup.

Yamasa Mariners 0, DSL Cardinals 11 (- 11) (seven innings)
We're getting in the make-up games but quick. RHP Rigoberto Garcia (6.75, L) took the loss as he gave up two runs (one earned) on two hits, a wild pitch, and a walk in the first inning. Following him, RHP Gregorio Aquino (3.82) had seven runs (six earned) score on four hits (2 HR!), a wild pitch, a hit batter, three walks, and two Ks in the next three innings. RHP Ramire Cleto (2.51) wrapped up with two runs scoring on four hits, a walk, and a K in the final two innings.
Ordinarily, when a team gets two-hit, I don't have much to talk about, but both his went to 3B Luis Matias (.243), so good for him.

DSL Cardinals 1 (-12), Yamasa Mariners 6 (seven innings)
So the home team won in both cases because that's just how these things can go in the DSL. LHP Leoncio Munoz (3.77) had three hits, three walks, and five Ks through four innings. RHP Junior Nunez (5.06) then gave the Cards their only run on two hits, two walks, and two Ks in the next two innings. RHP George Drullard (2.45) had a hit, two walks, a wild pitch, and a strikeout in the seventh.
LF Wilton Martinez (HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, .192) had probably his best night of the year, with three hits in three at-bats. CF Janelfry Zorilla (2B, 2 R, RBI, SB, .308) and 1B Westlonder Marcelino (2B, RBI, .273) both had doubles and Zorilla added a walk.

We don't need to worry about catching so much anymore, as the M's signed C John Hicks today, their fourth-round pick. I was figuring that this was the reason there didn't seem to be any rush in getting a new catcher to Clinton, but seeing as how that was entirely conjecture on my part, I didn't want to comment on it. They've also signed sixth-round pick CF James Zamarripa, which I first heard about roughly a week ago from a third-hand source. Again, when those kinds of things come up, I prefer to sit on it than start trying to hand out bad intel, as the whole IFA thing recently proved to me. Also the whole Kyle Seager thing happened and I wrote about it at USSM.

Tacoma 18, Colorado Springs 13 (COL - 21)
For the sake of destroying your delicate sensibilities, LHP Nate Robertson (6.21, W) pitched five innings with ten runs (nine earned) scoring on fourteen hits and two walks without a single strikeout and he won the game. LHP Cesar Jimenez (3.78) pitched the next two with three runs (two earned) scoring on two hits, two walks, and three Ks. RHP Dan Cortes (5.90) walked three and struck out one in the next inning and RHP Scott Patterson (4.07) had a couple of hits and a K in the ninth.
So, offense. Where to start? Six home runs were hit, but two apiece went to SS Alex Liddi (2B, 2 HR, 3 R, 4 RBI, 2 E, 3-5, BB, .260) and RF Mike Wilson (2 HR, 4 R, 3-5, BB, .356). Colorado Springs is a very special ballpark. One of the other remaining home runs was hit by 1B Matt Tuiasosopo (HR, 2 R, 4 RBI, .247), who added a single and two walks, and the remaining one went to LF Johan Limonta (HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, .337), who, like Liddi and Wilson, also had three hits, as did C Ralph Henriquez (R, 2 RBI, .304). 3B Matt Mangini (R, .344) and 2B Sean Kazmar (2B, R, 2 RBI, 2 E, .256) both had a hit and a walk.

Jackson 4, Mississippi 2 (ATL 0)
A win! Oh, happy day. RHP Andrew Carraway (2.96) only went an inning+ before getting the hook, striking out one along the way, which was highly unfortunate, but then again the reason for his untimely departure was that he hit some dude and bad intentions were perceived or some such. RHP Moises Hernandez (6.38) scored that one run and one more on two hits, two walks, and two Ks in three and two-thirds innings. RHP Stephen Penney (5.58, W) had a walk and a K in the next inning and two-thirds, and LHP Brian Moran (6.96, E) had a similar span with a hit and two Ks to show for it. RHP Steve Delabar (1.33, S) struck out one in the ninth.
2B Scott Savastano (2B, R, .279) and SS Carlos Triunfel (R, .268) both had two hits and RF Johermyn Chavez (R, CS, .221) had a single and a walk. Every walk by Chavez and Triunfel feels exciting and novel in some way.

Stockton 13 (OAK + 12), High Desert 6
A seven-run differential seems better than a thirteen-run differential. RHP Yoervis Medina (6.42, L) went to 1-8, pitching four innings with seven runs (three earned) scoring after eleven hits (2 HR!), a wild pitch, a walk, and three Ks. RHP Stephen Kahn (9.87) then pitched the next three+ frames and had three runs score on three hits, a wild pitch, a walk, and five Ks. LHP Jason Markovitz (5.84) had two score on four hits (2 HR) without recording an out, and LHP Jose Jimenez (5.72) had one last run score on a solo shot, which was accompanied by two walks and five Ks in two innings. This series feels like it's been one prolonged bender for the pitching staff, without so much the weird stories/tattoos.
2B Shaver Hansen (3 RBI, .324) had three more hits in the game. He's seemed like a different hitter in this league, but I don't know whether or not it's the league that's doing it. LF Daniel Carroll (R, .282) and 1B James Jones (2B, R, .220) both had a hit and a walk and CF Denny Almonte (R, RBI, .269) and 3B Mario Martinez (R, RBI, .307) both had a couple of hits.

Cedar Rapids 4 (ANA - 1), Clinton 3
LHP Anthony Fernandez (3.63) had a dandy of a start, with two runs scoring on seven hits, a balk, a walk, and seven Ks in seven and a third innings. But then RHP Keli'I Zablan (4.12) had to go and let a couple of unearned runs score on three hits and a hit batter in the next inning and RHP Jessie Nava (3.00) plated one of those and struck out two.
Jetsy Extrano caught this one. You guys, Jetsy Extrano caught a game. The Lumberkings could have won a game in which Jetsy Extrano caught if only they were capable of hitting a little more. CF Mike McGeee (2B, R, 2 RBI, .310) doubled. That was pretty much it.

Salem-Keizer 10 (SF - 12), Everett 6
This has become frustrating. LHP Bennett Whitmore (6.89, PO, L) let six runs plate on seven hits (HR), a hit batter, and two walks in three and two-thirds innings. RHP Tim Griffin (3.75) came on next with a run scoring on two hits (HR) and three Ks. LHP Cameron Hobson (5.14) let three score in the final three innings after five hits (HR), a balk, and a strikeout.
At the very least, not much of this could be pinned on the offense. It was more the pitching than anything else, as everyone in the lineup reached one and most had hits. 3B Danny Lopez (RBI, .324) led off and collected four singles, CF Jarrett Burgess (3B, R, RBI, .286) tripled and walked batting ninth, and LF James Wood (2B, RBI, .293), C Larry Gonzalez (2B, 2 RBI, .125), and 1B Ethan Paquette (2B, R, RBI, .158) all had doubles.

Bristol 3 (CHW - 2), Pulaski 4
RHP Ambioris Hidalgo (3.48) turned in another fine start, with two runs scoring on seven hits and a hit batter against seven Ks in five and two-thirds innings. He's now at a 26/7 K/BB in 20.2 IP, and this is the first time he's walked fewer than two in an outing. LHP Kyle Hunter (0.90, W) got the win and had an unearned run score against him on four hits and five Ks in the final three and a third innings.
1B Jordy Lara (HR, 2 R, .288) had two hits and a walk, which included his third dinger. DH Dillon Hazlett (R, .250) and LF Efrain Nunez (2B, 2 RBI, .229) both had two hits. Pimentel got pulled after one at-bat again and no I don't know what that's all about.

AZL Indians 6, Peoria Mariners 0
No good. RHP Ben Versnik (0.00) and LHP Ryan Kiel (0.00) both turned in uneventful innings, as it turned out to be kind of a bullpen day, or as much a bullpen day as one can technically muster at this level. RHP Jochi Ogando (6.00, L) let the first four runs (three earned) score on four hits and four walks in three innings. It was all one-inning stints from there, as RHP Maxx Catapano (4.26), LHP Nick Valenza (18.00), RHP Alex Sunderland (0.00), and RHP Benjamin Cornwell (1.80) all got a shot. Catapano had a hit, a walk, and two Ks, Valenza debuted with two runs scoring on four hits and two wild pitches, Sunderland had two hits and two strikeouts, and Cornwell just got the three grounders and went on his merry way.
There were three hits and just one walk for the offense. None of said hits got very far. But Felipe Burin debuted and went 0-for-4 with a K. That's something worth mentioning.

Aguirre Mariners 0, VSL Rays 7 (+ 1)
So yeah. LHP Luis Pina (4.28) was fine and all, going five innings with four hits, a walk, and three Ks to show for it, but then oh, things were bad. RHP Jose Mendoza (7.08, L) let three score on two hits, a hit batter, and two walks against one K in the sixth, RHP Thyago Vieira (2.77) had another plate on a hit, a wild pitch, a balk, three walks, and a strikeout just in the seventh, and RHP Jesus Pirela (39.00) let three more score on two hits, a hit batter, three walks, and two Ks in the eighth.
The offense, minus their Brazilian guy, had two hits from LF Kenny Hart (.265), one of a number of guys from the Netherlands Antilles, had two singles and 3B Ramon Coronel (.349) had a single and a walk.

Yamasa Mariners 7, DSL Brewers 2 (+ 8)
Yeah! RHP Ivan Julio (1.25) had five hits, a wild pitch, and three strikeouts through six innings. LHP Wander Marte (1.00) did better than that, with five Ks and no hits or walks in two innings. RHP Albert Tamarez (33.75), not so fortunate, as he let two score on three hits, and RHP Enrique Rosario (1.23) scored two of those with a hit and a K in the ninth.
CF Janelfry Zorilla (HR, .313) had a homer and a walk, which is probably more exciting than RF Gabriel Guerrero (2 R, .253) getting a single and a walk except for holy crap someone related to Vlad is capable of walking. 1B Axel Wel (R, .272), LF Estarlyn Morales (R, .255), DH Wilton Martinez (2 2B< R, RBI, .164), and C Alexander Capriata (.318) all had two hits.

Tacoma 13, Colorado Springs 9 (COL - 20) This was closer than it needed to be. LHP Anthony Vasquez (7.11, W) let five runs score on seven hits, three walks, and four Ks in six and a third innings, but to be fair, most of those runs came late. Vasquez was described by Curto as having Moxie, which is good, but not as big of a thing as it used to be. I found Moxie at a local QFC just the other day. LHP Chris Seddon (5.84) scored three of Vasquez' runs and four more of his own on three hits (2 HR!), a walk, and a K. This from the guy that threw the shutout there earlier in the year. RHP Dan Cortes (6.11) was also iffy, walking three without recording an out, but then RHP Josh Lueke (2.65, S) was great again and struck out two in the final two innings without allowing an inherited runner to score. I won't be mentioning everyone for the offense tonight, but I'll be coming pretty darned close. First, and important note was that 3B Kyle Seager (HR , 3 RBI, 1-5, .455) and DH Luis Antonio Jimenez (HR, 3 R, 2 RBI, 2-4, BB, .295) both had home runs in the third inning which brought us five of the thirteen runs. Then, I think I would note that LF Matt Tuiasosopo (R, SB, .243) and RF Ryan Langerhans (R, .311) both reached three times, Tui with two hits and a walk, Langerhans with a hit and two walks. 2B Sean Kazmar (2B, R, 2 RBI, SB, .257) and C Ralph Henriquez (2B, R, 3 RBI, .222) both had two hits and SS Alex Liddi (2 R, .254) had a single and a walk.

Jackson 7, Mississippi 14 (ATL + 1) This, too, was ugly. RHP Tom Wilhelmsen (5.77, L) let seven runs (six earned) score on eight hits (HR), two walks, and two Ks in three innings. RHP Taylor Stanton (3.03) then let two more score (one earned) on four hits and two Ks in two innings, and the runs continued to pile on as LHP Edward Paredes (6.75) let five score on three hits (2 HR!), four walks, and a strikeout in an inning and a third. RHP Steve Delabar (1.40) then allowed two hits, scoring one of Paredes' runs ,and struck out one in two-thirds of an inning. So bad was the state of affairs that RHP Scott Savastano (0.00) pitched the ninth, allowing a hit. The pitchers gave up a cycle to some dude. In the past two days, against us, we've seen a cycle and a no-hitter. The good news is that 3B Vinnie Catricala (2 2B, R, 3 RBI, SB, .458) kept hitting with another four hits in the game. Everyone reached safely too. RF Johermyn Chavez (2 RBI, .220) had two hits and two walks too, and SS Leury Bonilla (2 R, 3 E, .294) reached four times on a hit and three walks. Awesome, but for the errors. 1B Rich Poythress (RBI, .241) and LF James McOwen (2R, .251) both had a hit and a walk, and DH Joe Dunigan (3B, RBI, .185) tripled.

Stockton 17 (OAK + 11), High Desert 4 There are some sample issues, sure, but I'm concerned about RHP Brandon Maurer (5.95, L) since he left the Dl because he only lasted three and two-thirds innings this time with seven runs scoring on eight hits (HR), a couple of wild pitches, a hit batter, three walks, and a K. Others did worse, though not immediately. Relative to what the other guys did, RHP Daniel Cooper (4.25) was just fine, because he gave up a run on two hits (HR) with two and a third innings pitched. RHP Tim Boyce (8.83) was welcomed back to the league with six runs on six hits (4 HR!!!!) and a K in an inning and two-thirds and then RHP Austin Hudson (6.04) let three (one earned) score on three hits, a walk, and a K in the final inning and a third. So that was also ugly. No walks for the offense today. LF Daniel Carroll (R, RBI, SB, .282), CF Denny Almonte (2B, .266), and C Billy Marcoe (R, .273) all had two hits and 1B James Jones (2B, R, RBI, .219) doubled. There were four double plays turned, which is nice, and yet not nearly enough.

Clinton 5, Peoria 3 (CHC - 4) Two of three! RHP George Mieses (5.38, W) got his second win, with three runs scoring on ten hits, a balk, a couple of walks, and five Ks in seven and two-thirds innings, which I'll go out on a limb as saying was probably his longest outing of the year. Two runs scored in that last inning for him under the watch of RHP Tyler Burgoon (1.69, S), who allowed a hit and struck out one. 2B Stefen Romero (3B, HR, 2 R, .261) got the trickier part of the cycle as his two hits, and 1B Tim Morris (2B, .261) added two hits. 3B Matt Browning (RBI, CS, .238) added a single and a walk.

Salem-Keizer 7 (SF - 13), Everett 2 Something of a reversal. LHP Jordan Shipers (4.74, PO, L) let three (two earned) score on five hits, a wild pitch, a walk, and eight Ks in six innings, which would be enough to win a lot of nights. RHP Joe DiRocco (6.75) then piled on four more on two hits (HR), two walks, and two Ks in the next two frames and RHP Jeroen de Haas (9.00) had a hit and a K in the final inning. RF James Wood (HR, .300) hit his first home run of the year. So he can do that! SS Marcus Littlewood (2B, R, E, .246) doubled. He's reached safely in the last nine games he's had an AB, and perhaps then some. Did you know the Emeralds, leading the division, are 17-2? Well they are.

Bristol 3 (CHW - 1), Pulaski 11 RHP Jose Valdivia (2.25, W) got his second win, going six innings with a run scoring on five hits (HR), a wild pitch, and seven Ks. We'll see what happens once he starts facing decent competition, but right now it does seem that he's rather good. LHP Jeremy Dobbs (8.53) had two runs score against him on two hits, two walks, and two Ks in the next inning and then RHP David Colvin (0.00) had a couple of hits and four Ks in the final two frames. RF Guillermo Pimentel (2B, 2 HR, 3 R, 7 RBI, .377) had three hits and is now up to six home runs. He still isn't walking? SS Bryan Brito (3B, R, 2 RBI, .246) also had three hits, 2B Dan Paolini (HR, 2 R, .333) and LF Dillon Hazlett (R, .227) both had two plus a walk, 3B Michael Acevedo (2B, 2 R, .286) doubled, and C David Villasuso (R, .136) had a single and a walk.

Peoria Mariners 10, AZL Padres 7 We won, which counts for something. RHP Min-sih Chen (10.22) let seven runs (six earned) score on six hits, three walks, three wild pitches, and a K in four and a third innings. LHP Scott Ronnenbergh (1.64, W) then scored one of those and had two hits and two walks in an inning and two-thirds. RHP Marcos Reyna (7.71) allowed two hits in the next two inning and RHP Joshua Corrales (0.00, S) struck out one in the ninth. 1B Chris Andres (R, RBI, CS. .367) had four hits in the game, all singles though. C Norberto Susini (2 R, .364) had two hits and a walk, RF Reggie Lawson (.315) settled for two hits, 2B Yidid Batista (R, .378) and CF Alfredo Morales (R, RBI, SB, .391) had two walks.

Aguirre Mariners 3, VSL Pirates 2 At least this happened. RHP Ricardo Pereira (5.20) allowed two runs to score on six hits, a wild pitch, a hit batter, a walk, and three Ks. RHP Rafael Carrera (3.60, W) then had a hit and a walk against two Ks over the next three, and RHP Maykel Ynfantes (2.14, S) had an uneventful ninth. In the ninth, Calderon singled and his pinch-runner move to second on a sac bunt, then SS-3B Ramon Coronel (2 2B, R, RBI, 2 E, 3-4, .350) doubled, and an out later, Diaz was hit by a pitch and CF Rashynol Michel (RBI, 1-4, BB, .212) singled to drive the second run in. RF Alexy Palma (HR, .274) had two hits, including his second home run. Burin still didn't play. Things are looking up!

Tacoma 4, Colorado Springs 9 (COL - 19)
RHP Jarrett Grube (7.71, L) did start, and went five+ innings with five runs scoring on five hits (HR), three wild pitches, and four walks against five Ks. He's got the double-A thing down, but the triple A thing? RHP Scott Patterson (4.24) then pitched a frame and a third, scoring one of Grube's runs and one of his own on two hits, a walk, and two Ks. RHP Josh Fields (11.57) let three plate on three hits and two walks in the final inning and two-thirds. There was a triple in there, but it's still probably worse than expected given the hit and walk totals.
1B Matt Mangini (2B, 3 RBI, .354) continued to hit like some kind of crazy hitting man with another three in this one. DH Luis Antonio Jimenez (.291) had two hits and a walk, while 3B Kyle Seager (R, .480) and 2B Sean Kazmar (2B, .254) settled for two hits apiece. Carp was ejected in the first. He's probably not taking the demotion well.

Jackson 1, Mississippi 10 (ATL )
That was ugly! RHP Steven Hensley (4.73, L) let four plate on seven hits, a wild pitch, and three walks against one K in four and a third innings. RHP Moises Hernandez (6.75) then came on for a frame and two-thirds with two runs plating on three hits, a hit batter, a walk, and a K. RHP Stephen Penney (5.90) pitched an inning+ with four runs (three earned) scoring on two hits and two walks, but LHP Bobby LaFromboise (2.97) scored three of those on a hit and struck out a pair in the eighth.
1B Rich Poythress (2B, .242), LF Joe Dunigan (2B, R, .184), and C Brandon Bantz (.214) all had two hits, with Poythress adding a walk and Dunigan adding two.

Stockton 7 (OAK + 10), High Desert 5 (ten innings)
RHP Chris Sorce (4.17) got through seven and a third innings against the Ports, at home, with three runs scoring on seven hits, a walk, a hit batter, and three Ks. That's a hell of a thing, considering, but RHP Stephen Pryor (8.51, BS) had a[n increasingly rare] bad outing and scored all three of those and two of his own on three hits (2 HR!) and a K in an inning and two-thirds. LHP Jose Jimenez (5.77, L) allowed two to plate on a hit batter, a dinger, and a K in the tenth. So concluded the game.
RF James Jones (3B, 2 R, .218) and SS Gabriel Noriega (3B, 2 RBI, .243) both had triples, Jones as one of two hits, and C Angel Salome (2 RBI, .474) had two singles. Carroll stole his fortieth base.

Clinton 0, Peoria 2 (CHC - 3)
The opposing pitcher no -hit us and only walked two. Tonight, I talk only of pitching. RHP Jandy Sena (4.56, L) had two runs score against him on five hits, a wild pitch, two walks, and a K in five and two-thirds innings, which was a run more than the Chiefs actually needed. LHP Nate Reed (2.89) scored one of those and had three hits allowed and a K in an inning and a third. RHP Tyler Blandford (13.17) walked one and struck out two in the eighth.

Salem-Keizer 1 (SF - 14), Everett 7
Having them follow us back seems a might bit cruel. RHP Vicente Campos (3.05, W) had his first stateside win, with an unearned run scoring on seven hits, a walk, and seven Ks in six innings. RHP Jason Buursma (9.00) had a couple of hits and a walk in the next two and RHP Cody Weiss (9.82) struck out a pair in the ninth.
SS Marcus Littlewood (2 2B, 2 RBI, .246) had three hits in the game. Progress! DH James Wood (2B, R, .303) added two and 1B Ethan Paquette (2B, R, 3 RBI, .161) had a double.

Bristol 3 (CHW 0), Pulaski 6
OH, right, this became a home series after one game. Silly Appy League. RHP Dylan Unsworth (2.76, W) got his third win with three runs scoring on three hits, two walks, and seven Ks. Atta boy, Sharkie. RHP Reynaldo Sabala (1.86) unfortunately scored two of those runs with two hits, a wild pitch, and six Ks in two and tow-thirds innings. RHP Angel Raga (0.00, S) allowed a hit and struck out the side in the ninth.
CF Jamal Austin (2 R, RBI, CS, .341) had three hits and a walk leading off. Neat! RF Guillermo Pimentel (HR, .347) was back in the lineup and slugging with a home run and a single, and C Jose Hernandez (R, .206) and SS Bryan Brito (2B, R, RBI, .211) also had two hits with Brito adding a walk. DH Kenny Straus (HR, .176) hit his third home run and walked, and 3B Michael Acevedo (2B, RBI, .289) and 1B Jordy Lara (2B, RBI, .267) both had doubles with Lara drawing a walk. Nearly everyone reached safely.

AZL Dodgers 0, Peoria Mariners 6
We two-hit them? In the AZL, that's quite a feat. LHP Ryan Kiel (0.00) had an inning of rehabbish start. RHP Seon Gi Kim (0.00, W) then had a hit, a walk, and four Ks in five innings of work and was followed by two perfect innings from RHP David Holman (2.70). RHP Maxx Catapano (5.06) had a hit and a walk in the ninth.
2B Yidid Batista (2 R, 2 RBI, SB, .395) had three hits, but all were singles, so how about CF Alfredo Morales (2B, RBI, .409), who had two hits including a double and a walk. LF Phillips Castillo (R, SB, CS, .317) walked twice. A new, young Latin import walking is way too exciting.

VSL Tigers 7 (- 13), Aguirre Mariners 5
Oh no! RHP Daniel Mata (4.39) had four runs (three earned) score against him in five+ innings of work after seven hits (HR), two wild pitches, a hit batter, and three Ks. LHP Cruz Pereira (3.38, BS, L) scored one of Mata's runs and had three plate against him after six hits, two walks, a wild pitch, and three strikeouts in the final four innings.
2B Rafael Fernandez (R, E, .275) and LF Jesus Ugueto (2B, 2 RBI, E, .286) both had two hits, Fernandez drawing a walk, and CF Rashynol Michel (2 R, .211), C Arturo Nieto (R, PB, .114), and SS Giancarlo Wawoe (2B, R, RBI, E, .143) all had a hit and a walk. Burin wasn't around. A man can hope.

The DSL game was rained out. I don't care. More work for Future Jay. Forget that guy.

I don't know why all the games today were evening games, but it screwed up my scheduling and I'd like if it didn't happen again. Makes the weekly stuff tricky.

Fresno 6 (SF - 16), Tacoma 7 LHP Luke French (6.09, W) came one win closer to evening up his record, with three runs scoring against him in six and two-thirds innings after eleven hits (HR), a walk, and three Ks. RHP Josh Fields (0.00) walked a pair over the next two-thirds, and then RHP Dan Cortes (6.11) mad a bit of a mess of things, with three runs scoring on two hits and two Ks. RHP Josh Lueke (2.80, S) had to come in for the final two outs, striking out one and stranding the tying runner on third. DH Mike Carp (2B, HR, 3 R, 3 RBI, .352) had two extra-base hits and a walk in his first game back. I have come to expect such thing. 1B Matt Mangini (.345) also had two hits and a walk of lesser consequence, LF-Matt Tuiasosopo (R, RBI, .240) had a single and a walk, and CF Ryan Langerhans (2B, R, A, .317) doubled.

Chattanooga 4 (CIN + 5), Jackson 5 K-Pax's first start in double-A was a win, just not for him. LHP James Paxton (3.86) turned out to be a little wild, with three runs (two earned) scoring on six hits, three wild pitches, three walks, and only one K. RHP Taylor Stanton (2.95) pitched the next inning with two hits allowed, then LHP Brian Moran (7.34, W) took over for two and a third innings with a run scoring on a solo shot to go with a walk and four Ks. RHP Steve Delabar (1.45, S) had a hit and a K in the ninth. RF Johermyn Chavez (2B, .219) doubled and 1B Rich Poythress (2 RBI, .237) and SS Carlos Triunfel (R, .270) both had a hit and a walk. There were three errors total not made by any of those three. One hint: Catricala is having defensive issues it seems.

High Desert 3, Rancho Cucamonga 5 (LA + 3) The Quakes are a Dodgers affiliate now. Old habits die hard. LHP Mauricio Robles (12.41) got into the fifth inning this time, with two runs scoring on five hits (HR), a wild pitch, two walks, and a K. RHP Stephen Kahn (10.05, L) then let two score on two hits, a hit batter, and a walk in an inning+, and LHP Jason Markovitz (5.11) scored one of those with two hits in his inning+. Markovitz would in turn have a run score against him under the watch of RHP Willy Kesler (4.01), who allowed a hit in the eighth. CF-LF Daniel Carroll (HR, SB, A, .282) and 1B James Jones (HR, SB, .214) both had home runs, Carroll adding a walk and Jones adding a single. Carroll is nearly to forty stolen bases, and that was his tenth home run. DH Angel Salome (2B, R, .467) doubled and 3B Rudy van Heydoorn (RBI, .429) had two singles.

Clinton 3, Peoria 2 (CHC - 4) (ten innings) I know I've seen the Lumberkings win over Peoria before, but this still seems fascinating. LHP Tony Butler (3.38) made his first start in the MWL this year and was about as successful as Paxton in his double-A debut, maybe a little more, going five and a third innings with two runs scoring on four hits, five walks, and three Ks. LHP Edlando Seco (5.63) had a strikeout over the next inning and two-thirds and RHP Jonathan Arias (4.11, W) had two hits and six Ks through the final three innings. In the top of the tenth, with one out, CF Mike McGee (2B, R, RBI, 2-5, .350) doubled, his first double of the year, moved to third on a single by Ramirez, and then scored on a sac fly. Nice. DH Stefen Romero (2B, .260) also doubled and C Carlton Tanabe (RBI, .243), still the team's only catcher, had a hit, a couple of walks, and a defensive pickoff.

Everett 8, Salem-Keizer 7 (SF - 13) At one point, we led this game 6-0, and then Terrible Things Started to Happen which were later averted and we swept the series which also marks the first time we won a series. RHP Steve Kohlscheen (1.13) pitched four innings with two hits, two walks, and two Ks on his line. RHP Max Krakowiak (7.71, W) then debuted and pitched two and a third innings with two runs plating on two hits, a wild pitch, a hit batter, a walk, and two Ks. But he won! RHP Nolan Diaz (7.71) scored two of those and had five more (four earned) score against him after three hits, a wild pitch, and three walks against a K. RHP Matt Bischoff (0.00, S) scored three of those and had a hit and two Ks in the final inning and two-thirds. A lot of hitting happened. DH James wood (3 2B, R, 2 RBI, .290) had three doubles, and 2B Patrick Brady (2 2B, R, 2 RBI, .304) had two, with RF Jabari Blash (R, 2 SB, .333) and LF Nate Melendres (3B, 2 R, SB, .226) also adding two hits. SS Marcus Littlewood (R, SB, .217) and CF Jarrett Burgess (R, RBI, SB, A, .308) both had a hit and a walk.

Pulaski 3, Bristol 9 (CHW + 1) The White Sox scored nine runs in the first two innings and didn't look back. The victim of all nine runs was RHP Luke Taylor (11.74), who had eight of them count against him, coming on eight hits (HR), a wild pitch, two walks, and a K. In a weird move, RHP Leonardo Rodriguez (3.38) took over, threw a few pitches, then exited in favor of RHP Brett Shankin (2.70), who allowed a hit and struck out three over the next four and a third innings. I'm guessing injury. RHP Bo Reeder (3.00) walked two and struck out one in the final two innings. Good work by the bullpen today. 2B Dan Paolini (3B, R, .316) was most notable again for the offense, with a double and two walks. He has almost as many walks as Ks. CF Jamal Austin (2 SB, .300) had a hit and a walk batting leadoff.

Peoria Mariners 6, AZL Indians 5 Hooray. RHP Ben Versnik (0.00) had sort of a rehabbish outing with two walks in an inning of work. RHP Charles Kaalekahi (9.00, PO, W) let four runs score in four innings of work after five hits (HR), a couple of wild pitches, a walk, and five Ks. These things happen. RHP Benjamin Cornwell (2.25) had a run score against him after two hits, a hit batter, and a K in the next two innings, and then RHP Alex Sunderland (0.00, S) allowed two hits and struck out a pair over the final two. 2B Yidid Batista (3B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, .359) had two hits and two walks, which led the team in all kinds of ways. CF Alfredo Morales (2 2B, .390) added two doubles, and 1B Chris Andreas (2B, R, .325), DH Phillips Castillo (R, .333), and 3B Jose Martinez (R, RBI, SB, .314) all had a hit and a walk.

Dear Baseball-Reference: you have embedded video ads that automatically have the volume on a low setting that isn't mute, which means that when I have my headphones on I have to hunt around for which open window has the ad and then manually mute it myself. Stop it.

Some international free agents were signed today, including OF Helsin Martinez to us for two million. Other signings have yet to be confirmed, and I'll probably wait a little on posting some kind of analysis until those guys who are supposed to sign or have signed do. Edit: Surprise! It's now being reported that there's no deal in place as of yet and the earlier reports were false. And people wonder why I hold back on these things.

Fresno 5 (SF - 15), Tacoma 7 Dingers! RHP Charlie Haeger (8.85, W) allowed one of them, with five runs scoring against him on seven hits, two wild pitches, a hit batter, six walks, and three Ks in five+ innings. It didn't matter because the Rainiers went yard three times in the first inning! LHP Cesar Jimenez (3.55) walked one and struck out two in the next two innings and then RHP Scott Patterson (4.09, S) had a two-inning save with a hit and a K. Those home runs I mentioned went to CF Ryan Langerhans (HR, 1-5, .321), 3B Alex Liddi (2B, HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 2-4, BB, .257), and 1B Matt Mangini (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, 4-4, BB, .339), and each was better than the last. You also had two hits apiece from 2B Kyle Seager (R, .512) and DH Luis Antonio Jimenez (R, .284), Seager adding a walk, two walks from RF Mike Wilson (A, .354), and a single and a walk from SS Sean Kazmar (SB, .253).

Chattanooga 5 (CIN + 6), Jackson 2 Well now it's back to this. RHP Erasmo Ramirez (4.66, E, L) let four runs (three earned) score on seven hits, five walks, and four Ks in six innings. I'll put it this way: he had five walks tonight, and had five walks in May and June combined. LHP Edward Paredes (4.67, PO) let another run score on two hits and two Ks in the next two innings and RHP Stephen Penney (5.14) walked one in the ninth. The offense was all right. SS Carlos Triunfel (2B, E, .269) had a double and two walks, which is not typical for him. 2B Leury Bonilla (3B, R, .300) and 3B Vinnie Catricala (HR, 2 RBI, .583) also had two hits apiece of an impressive distance.

High Desert 3, Rancho Cucamonga 2 (ANA + 4) LHP Jimmy Gillheeney (5.23) probably deserved a win out of this one, going seven innings and allowing two runs on five hits (HR), a wild pitch, a walk, and seven Ks. The opposing starter did the same, but added an inning, a walk, and a K. LHP Jose Jimenez (5.48, W) pitched the next two, with three hits, a walk, and a strikeout, and then RHP Stephen Pryor (8.34, S) struck out a pair in the tenth. I'm totally cool with him as closer right now. In the tenth, SS Gabriel Noriega (2B, R, RBI, 1-3, BB, .242) walked, then a passed ball and a sacrifice moved him to third. 1B James Jones (1-4, BB, .209) was intentionally walked to set up a double play but then Lo hit a single and that settled it. The guy who hit the sacrifice, LF Daniel Carroll (HR, SB, .281), was one of the team's more productive hitters with a home run and two walks. 2B Shaver Hansen (2B, R, .310) added a double and a walk.

Clinton 3, Quad Cities 4 (STL - 1) RHP Taijuan Walker (3.05, E) had another rough start, by his own high standards at least, with three runs (two earned) scoring on four hits (2 HR!), a hit batter, four walks, and eight Ks. RHP Jessie Nava (3.10, PO, L) received the loss, with a run scoring on three hits, a wild pitch, three walks, and two Ks in the final two innings. 2B Stefen Romero (2B, HR, 3 RBI, SB, .262) had three hits in the game. He only played thirteen games in June, but his .400/.468/.625 in those thirteen games. LF Kevin Rivers (2B, .239) doubled.

Everett 8, Salem-Keizer 4 (SF - 12) The Volcanoes are a bad team. We're better than bad. We may even be good. RHP Steve Landazuri (4.05, PO, W) ran his record to 3-0, with three runs scoring on eight hits, a hit batter, a walk, and five Ks in the same number of innings. RHP Jordan Pries (3.38) allowed another run to score on a hit, another hit batter, two walks, and three Ks in the next two and two-thirds, and then RHP Tim Griffin (3.72, S) had two hits and two Ks over the final four outs. I don't know if it's the most important thing in the game, but the thing that I certainly noticed first was that there was a sighting of 1B Jharmidy de Jesus (2B, 3 R, 2 RBI, .500), who had two hits and a walk. The DSL sighting wasn't a mirage, and he is now playing in his first game stateside since the end of the 2009 season. Well now that he's here, I hope he does good things. CF Jarrett Burgess (2 2B, .306) reached four times with two doubles and two walks, C Michael Dowd (.295) had three hits and a defensive pickoff, LF Patrick Brady (R, RBI, .278) had two singles and 3B Danny Lopez (HR, 3 RBI, .304) hit his second home run, a three-run shot in the fifth.

Pulaski 6, Johnson City 3 (STL + 8) Not swept! RHP Mayckol Guaipe (1.53, W) had two runs score against him on five hits (HR) and four Ks in six innings, runnning his record to 3-0. LHP Kyle Hunter (1.35) let one more score on three hits and two Ks in the next inning, and RHP Angel Raga (0.00, S) got the final two, walking one and striking out two. LF Kenny Straus (HR, .185) had his second pro home run while batting ninth. Although, I may prefer 3B Michael Acevedo (2 RBI, .306) as player of the game for his three hits and a walk. 1B Jordy Lara (2B, 2 R, .289), who has been better than anticipated, had two hits, including his third double.

VSL Reds 4 (+ 1), Aguirre Mariners 2 Seems like a slide, if you ask me. RHP Kevin Quintanilla (6.00) had a hit and two Ks in the two innings he pitched. RHP Jose FLores (3.92) then took his first loss of the year with three runs allowed on three hits (HR), a hit batter, a walk, and two Ks in five innings of work. RHP Maykel Ynfantes (2.20) had a run score against him on four hits and a walk with one strikeout in the final two innings. LF Jesus Ugueto (.282) and RF Alexy Palma (R, RBI, CS, .276) both had a hit and two walks. It seems like, broadly speaking, there's been an uptick in walks from our summer leaguers this season, which pleases me. If only we could get Pimentel on that in Pulaski. SS Ramon Coronel (RBI, .347) had two hits, both singles, and 1B Reginald Lampe (.300) had a single and a walk. Calderon made his twenty-fourth error.

DSL Brewers 1 (+ 10), Yamasa Mariners 4 (seven innings) RHP Jose Torres (1.95) had a hit, a plunked batter, a walk, and four Ks in five innings of work, so that was pretty awesome. RHP Yunior de Jesus (0.49) pitched the final two with an unearned run scoring on two hits, a wild pitch, a walk, and four Ks. CF Janelfry Zorilla (HR, 3 RBI, .301) had much of the offense with a couple of hits, including the three run shot that accounted for the difference in the game. SS Ketel Marte (R, E, .287) had a single and a walk.

Yamasa Mariners 7, DSL Brewers 0 (+ 9) (seven innings) Yay. RHP Domingo Brazoban (1.46, W) won it with six inning where he allowed three hits and a walk while striking out three. RHP George Drullard (3.38) walked one and struck out two in the seventh. CF Janelfry Zorilla (2B, HR, 2 R, 3 RBI, .316) was at it again, this time going 2-for-2 with a walk and his third home run. DH Ismael Alcantara (HR, 2 RBI, .222) also went yard, and it was his second home run of the year. SS Ketel Marte (SB, .289), again, had a single and a walk.

Paxton to Jackson! This is a good thing because his command has been much improved over the past couple of months and given his age he really ought to be getting pushed a little harder! Butler to Clinton! This is also good when one considers that he's from Wisconsin and that his command, last outing aside, has been far too good for MWL hitters to deal with! Anthony Vasquez and Josh Fields to Tacoma! I… don't have as strong an opinion about these because Vasquez was struggling earlier in the year, and isn't so much now, and Josh Fields has been basically what we know and remember of Josh Fields' minor league career thus far.

Fresno 10 (SF - 14), Tacoma 7
LHP Chris Seddon (5.50, L), whose record is 5-5, let nine runs score on ten hits (3 HR), five walks, and six Ks in five innings. So that was interesting. RHP Jarrett Grube (4.50), who is not starting, had a run score on three hits (HR) and two Ks in two innings, then LHP Cesar Jimenez (3.71) and RH P Dan Cortes (5.33) split the final two, Jimenez allowing two hits and striking out one, and Cortes allowing a hit.
3B Matt Mangini (2B, R, .323) had three hits in the game, but CF Ryan Langerhans (R, SB, CS, .326) eclipsed him in times reached with two hits and two walks. 1B Matt Tuiasosopo (2B, R, RBI, .239) and C Ralph Henriquez (2 R, .143) were also on three times apiece with a hit and two walks, while DH Luis Antonio Jimenez (.281) settled for the two walks. He was the last batter in the box with two on and two outs in the ninth, but sadly, nothing happened, or nothing good at least. SS Kyle Seager (R, RBI, .514), RF Mike Wilson (R, RBI, .361), and LF Johan Limonta (3 RBI, A, .338) all had two hits as well.

Chattanooga 4 (CIN + 5), Jackson 7
Count on RHP Andrew Carraway (2.88, W) to end a skid. He went six and two-thirds this time out with three runs (two earned) scoring on six hits, a hit batter, a walk, and five Ks. LHP Bobby LaFromboise (3.06) allowed a hit to score one of those before striking out the final batter of that inning. RHP Taylor Stanton (3.03) had a run score against him on three walks in an inning+, and RHG Steve Delabar (1.53, S) scored that one run with a hit, a walk, and a K in the ninth.
3B Vinnie Catricala (2B, HR, 4 RBI, E, .625) was a force for the offense, with three hits in the game. He also made his second error. DH Jake Shaffer (2 R, .307), 2B Scott Savastano (2 R, .287), and C Brandon Bantz (R, .215) all had two hits, with Bantz drawing a walk, and RF Johermyn Chavez (3B, 2 RBI, .221) had a triple and a walk. Not last night, but close enough to it.

High Desert 1, Rancho Cucamonga 2 (ANA + 5)
A loss in what turned out to be a pitcher's duel is still okay. RHP Yoervis Medina (6.40, L) had two score against him on three hits (HR), three walks, and four Ks in six+ innings. RHP Daniel Cooper (4.27, PO) then had a walk and a K over the final two.
DH-C Angel Salome (HR, .750) had two hits and another walk. Someone asked me what I thought of him in the comments from last night, so I'll just reply here. You can expect a decent average from him and a few walks, but not a whole lot of power, at least not on the level of what Eliezer Alfonzo showed in triple-A, and Salome is probably a less natural backstop. Some think he could see some time with the M's, but I don't know. 3B Mario Martinez (.315) also had two hits and PR-1B Rudy van Heydoorn (2B, .333) doubled.

Clinton 5, Quad Cities 3 (STL - 2)
More joyous wins. LHP Anthony Fernandez (3.81, PO) let a run score on six hits, a hit batter, three walks, and five Ks in seven innings. RHP Keli'i Zablan (4.34) had some issues though, with two scoring on a hit and a walk. He also had a K, but it was a wild pitch combo (he had two wild pitches) and Zablan also hit one. RHP Tyler Burgoon (1.75, BS, W), who is pretty much nails anyway, only let one of those score and had a K in two innings of work, picking up the win as the Lumberkings rallied.
They also stole six bases, which might bring a tear to certain eyes. As for the ninth inning, with one out, Rivers was hit by a pitch, then 3B Matt Browning (R, 2 SB, 2-3, BB, .238) and DH Mickey Wiswall (R, RBI, 1-4, BB, .260) singled, scoring Rivers, and Browning scored on an out by Romero. 1B Tim Morris (2B, 2 RBI, SB, E, .265) had a hit and a walk and CF Mike McGee (R, SB, .333) had two hits.

Everett 4, Salem-Keizer 1 (SF - 11)
Yes. HELL yes. LHP Bennett Whitmore (4.50, 2 PO, W) had two hits and a K in six innings of work for his first win of the year. LHP Cameron Hobson (2.25) gave up the only run for the not-so-explosive volcanoes on a home run to go with another hit and two Ks. RHP Matt Bischoff (0.00, S) struck out two of three in the ninth.
RF Jabari Blash (HR, .323) hit a home run, a Funk Blasht, if you will. 3B Danny Lopez (2B, RBI, 2 E, .314) added two hits and CF Nate Melendres (3B, R, RBI, .192) had a triple. 1B Ethan Paquette (R, RBI, .143) contributed a hit and a walk. The team survived four errors in part because of Whitmore's having a good pickoff move.

Pulaski 4, Johnson City 5 (STL + 9) (ten innings)
These are close losses, which means we're probably good. RHP Ambioris Hidalgo (3.60) was back to being good again, with six innings pitched and two runs scoring on six hits, two walks, a wild pitch, and eight Ks. RHP David Colvin (0.00) pitched the next two frames and allowed a hit and a walk while throwing a wild pitch and striking out two. Still, the others of the Claremont Colleges will not calm down. LHP Jeremy Dobbs (6.75, BS, L) struggled again, though, with three runs (two earned) scoring on three hits, a wild pitch, and a walk in a frame and a third. RHP Reynaldo Sabala (2.57) struck out one before allowing the decisive RBI hit.
2B Dan Paolini (HR, 2 RBI, .313) had a home run in the first as one of two hits in the game. He also turned an unassisted DP, which is neat. CF Jamal Austin (R, 2 SB, .306) had three walks leading off. SS Bryan Brito (2B, R, .200) and 1B Jordy Lara (2B, E, .265) both doubled.

Peoria Mariners 8, AZL Giants 6
RHP Trevor Miller (5.79, PO, E) pitched five innings with three runs scoring on six hits (HR), three walks, and two Ks. RHP Marcos Reyna (10.80, W) then pitched the next two innings with two runs plating on three hits, two walks, and four Ks. RHP Brandon Plotz (7.50) allowed a run on a hit, three walks, and a K in the eighth, and RHP Joshua Corrales (0.00, S) allowed a hit in the ninth. I feel like I've written a recap with these four names exactly a few times already. Such is the beginning of the AZL season.
1B Chris Andreas (2B, R, RBI, .333) had three hits to lead the team, though CF Alfredo Morales (HR, 2 R, 2 RBI, .389) also reached three times with two hits and a walk. It is awesome to see Morales coming around after a rough first year. SS Roberto Velasquez (R, SB, .265) and C Norberto Susini (R, RBi, PB, .333) both had a hit and a walk and RF Reggie Lawson (3B< R, 3 RBI, .325) and 3B Jose Martinez (2B< R, RBI, .313) both contributed extra-base knocks.

Aguirre Mariners 3, VSL Phillies 12 (- 3)
This was a mess. RHP isliexel Gonzalez (2.01, E, L) let seven runs (four earned) score on ten hits, a walk, and a K in four innings. RHP Neritzon Osorio (2.53) pitched two and a third innings with a hit batter, a wild pitch, and a K to show for it, and then RHP Aljeurreau Bishop (15.75) couldn't get an out, allowing two hits, throwing a wild pitch, hitting two, and walking one. All five would score, two under the watch of RHP Thyago Vieira (2.25), who had a hit and a walk in his inning of work.
2B Felipe Burin (2B, R, CS, .391) had three hits in the game. Maybe if he gets to .400 again, he gets to leave? RF Jesus Ugueto (HR, E, .281) and 3B Ramon Coronel (.341) both had two hits, second homer for Uggy, and DH Yordi Calderon (SB, .307) had a single and a walk. The M's also turned a triple play. I have seen two box score triple plays this year.

DSL Athletics 4 (- 12), Yamasa Mariners 5
RHP Rigoberto Garcia (6.35) pitched two innings and had a hit allowed in that span. RHP Gregorio Aquino (2.40, W) then pitched six innings with four runs scoring on four hits (HR), a walk, a hit batter, and a couple of Ks. RHP Ramire Cleto (1.46) had a hit and a walk and a wild pitch to his line without any outs recorded, and was followed by RHP Ronald Dominguez (5.40, S), who shut the A's down before they could do any damage, striking out one.
RF Gabriel Guerrero (2B, 2 R, .247) had two hits and a walk, DH Miguel Sanchez (R, CS, .267) and 1B Westlonder Marcelino (R, .250) both walked three times, somehow, C Alexander Capriata (HR, 4 RBI, .300) had a home run, his first, and four RBI, but that wasn't a grand slam, and 2B-SS-1B Luis Matias (2B, .250), who was busy defensively, doubled and walked.

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